Citation

Hagopian MM, Burkhalter L, Foglia RP. Trauma (Sage) 2014; 16(2): 99-102.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2014, SAGE Publishing)

DOI

10.1177/1460408613515804

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

BACKGROUND All terrain vehicles (ATVs) have grown in size and speed, and contribute significantly to pediatric trauma injuries. We compared pediatric ATV and All Trauma injuries, and sought to determine if there has been an improvement in ATV safety.

METHODS We reviewed the CMCD Trauma Registry for all ATV injuries from 2007-2011, and compared data with data previously compiled for All Trauma admissions from 2006 to 2008.

RESULTS There were 197 ATV and 4473 All Trauma admissions. The two groups differed in that the ATV group had a greater number of transfers from outside hospitals, trauma activations, Injury Severity Score, and need for operation. Mortality was 0.5% for ATV and 1.3% for All Trauma injuries. 51% of children ≤10 years were drivers; only 18% wore helmets.

CONCLUSION ATV admissions are associated with higher acuity injuries than All Trauma admissions. Pediatric ATV safety does not appear to have improved; efforts should be refocused to improve it.

Language: en